Page 18 of Dirty Eoin

Probably not. She’s a Duster now, after all.

Truth is, I’ve barely spoken to anyone apart from Duke, Sasha, and Cherry. Everyone else is involved with the O’Connells in some way. Until I have proof they weren’t involved in Ace’s death, I can’t trust them or anyone around them.

I’ve got no choice but to speak with Delaney on Exterminator-related business, even though his sister, Sarah, is one of them. But deep down, I know no matter what, he’d never stab me in the back.

It’s not about blood with him. He’d kill his own kin if push came to shove. With him, it boils down to honesty, trust, and loyalty. I’d never betray him, and he’d never betray me.

To answer or not to answer. As much as she’s one of them, she’s still my business partner.

I connect the call.

“Jessie.”

There’s a pause.

“Jaine.” She’s surprised I answered. “How are you keeping, partner?” She sounds hesitant.

“I’ve been better.” My tone is clipped. I can’t help it. How the fuck does she think I’ve been keeping?

“I… we… Dyl and I... We’re here…”

“I know.”

“The family wants to pass on their condolences.”

“And which family might that be?”

“Both.”

“I’ll accept them from the O’Briens.”

“Jaine, Dyl was the last person to speak to Ace before… you know. You can’t just shut him out.”

“While I’ll forever be indebted to him for relaying Ace’s dying words and wishes, I can fucking shut him out,” I bite.

“You’re not thinking straight.”

“You’re the second person to say that to me today.”

“Maybe that’s because it’s the truth.”

“I may be grieving, Jessie, but I’m still in control of my faculties. I’m thinking quite clearly, thank you. They threatened me. You heard the recording with your own goddamn ears. Ace was murdered. Now, who do you think might have been responsible for pulling that trigger?”

“The O’Connells would never do something like that, Jaine. Not to Ace.”

“And you know that for sure how?”

She pauses. It speaks volumes.

“I don’t know for sure.”

“Exactly. You don’t.”

“So, what happens next?”

“I’m moving back to Manhattan.”

“When?”

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